This weekend I had the pleasure of catching up with some college girl friends. Going away to the beach once a year has become very much apart of a tradition. Tradition is not something that we take loosely. We had tradition steeped into the crevices of our hearts from our alma mater. We all attended Wesleyan College almost 20 years ago.

We all came from different parts of the state, different families, experiences and such. Two of us knew each other at birth, but of course with job and such we hadn’t “known” each other since we were 3 years old. Within that first year away from the comforts of home, we all became tight…fast!

Through the years we have known laughter, fun times together, even tears through break- ups and growing pains that accompany so much during the times of learning how to face the real world without getting run slap over!

We have loved each other and hated each other all at the same time! Ever had any of those experiences?

We have seen…defeat, discomfort, rejection, loneliness, guilt, miraculous healing, tragic losses, proud moments, and this weekend, Peace.

Peace that can only be explained by a God that has blanketed his wisdom and glory around us 3 and knitted us together continually through the years. We all are created for a purpose in our different areas of ministry, but yet so beautifully created to show His Glory.

The tapestry of the moments in our lives over the last 24 years has been vast yet so beautifully created by our God.

Job 16:30 says, “My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God.”

Proverbs 18:24 “Many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

I love friends that are faithful and loyal, encouraging, thoughtful and kind. On the flip side, friends are mere humans too, sometimes they are not faithful and kind.

Jesus had a couple of friends that I am not sure would qualify in my book.

* Peter was always interrupting and telling Jesus what He should do.
* Mary Magdalene…well, she had a sordid past and known by everyone.
* Indecisive Thomas never stood up for his opinions.
* Nicodemus, who was a chicken for not showing himself during the daylight hours.

These people had their problems yet, Jesus valued them as friends. He didn’t expect them to be perfect, he just wanted them to be themselves. All He asked from them was their love. Love for Him and love for one another.

1 Peter 1:22 says very poignantly “Love one another DEEPLY, from the heart.”

Another thing that I noticed along with the Peace of God was God’s glory all over these women as we sat around this weekend sharing our stories of what God was doing in our marriages, families and lives. All along revealing His glory among our circumstances.

We have all learned so much about walking with Christ but also being Christ to others. We laughed and reminisced about how faithful our God has been to bring us so far.

I found this scripture today that kinda summed it up.

Romans 8:18 “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

We have had our share of sufferings. I know that God may have more sufferings for us to possibly to go through, but also He has revealed to me that His Glory is the outcome because it was so evident in these women. I love seeing what God has taught us and continues to teach us through Grace and Mercy.

Bless your friends today that God has given you. Pray for them whether they be far or near. God has a magnificent plan for us to reveal His Glory to others.